Orange County-Intake Release Center (IRC)

Custody/Security Info

The Orange Co-IRC, situated in Santa Ana, CA, serves as a vital re-entry facility. County Jail Work Release programs offer incarcerated individuals a chance to reintegrate into society while serving sentences. Participants, trusted or monitorable, can leave jail to work at approved sites, returning afterward. This promotes rehabilitation and responsibility. Good behavior and responsiveness earn participants supervised work during the day, building skills for reintegration. Some programs allow a structured workweek, with participants residing at home during non-working hours, maintaining ties. Alternative confinement options may ease the transition back into civilian life. Moreover, these programs can serve as a pathway to full-time employment upon release for those nearing the end of their sentences. Overall, County Jail Work Release programs play a vital role in promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

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Facility Type

The County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office of Orange County, serves as a detention facility for individuals awaiting trial or processing. Typically, inmates housed here stay for less than one year, resulting in fewer amenities compared to larger jails or prisons. However, inmates do have access to limited recreation, a library, telephones, bathroom facilities, and three meals a day. The jail utilizes an inmate search feature for locating detainees.

Many detainees are brought to jail daily, with a significant number arriving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, suffering from injuries related to their arrest, or dealing with mental illness. Some may remain in the facility for less than a day or only a few days until their release in a court proceeding, provided they meet financial requirements. These offenders may be released to a pretrial services caseload, supervised by the probation office, or on their recognizance, which is an agreement to attend all court appearances.

Individuals who do not post bail within the first twenty-four hours are required to appear before a judge. During this first appearance, conducted either in person or via telephone, the judge informs the arrested person of the charges against them and sets the bond amount.

Following the intake process, which includes property inventory, medical screening, and booking, inmates are assigned to the general population. Housing assignments are based on the classification of their charges, whether felony or misdemeanor, to ensure proper management and safety within the facility.

The jail is designed with "pods," featuring a large common area with affixed tables and attached seats, and individual cells typically on two levels. Inmates spend certain times in their cells and other times congregating in the pod for activities like playing cards, games, reading, or watching television. Movement outside the pod, such as trips to the commissary, library, or recreation area, occurs under the constant supervision of unarmed correctional officers.